Venezuela passes amnesty law for political prisoners

"Venezuela's National Assembly, on Thursday, unanimously approved a proposed amnesty that could free hundreds of political prisoners jailed for being critical of the government. The bill marks a landmark development for the South American nation that has spent decades denying holding political prisoners. The change in policy comes after former President Nicolas Maduro was removed from power and kidnapped by the US military in a raid in the country's capital, Caracas, on January 3."

"Who does the Venezuelan amnesty law cover? Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Venezuelans have been jailed for political reasons over the years. About 450 prisoners have been released since Maduro was removed from power and before the amnesty bill was enacted, but more than 600 others remain behind bars, according to the NGO Foro Penal. The bill is meant to provide amnesty for those detained over political protests and "violent actions" over the last few decades, including a brief coup in 2002 and during elections."

"However, the law excludes those who have been prosecuted or convicted of promoting military action against the country, which could include opposition leaders such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado. The government has accused Machado of calling for international intervention like the one that ousted Maduro. The current ruling party has accused her of calling for an international intervention to remove Maduro."

Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously approved an amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners. The law followed the removal and reported kidnapping of former President Nicolas Maduro by US forces on January 3 and was signed by Acting President Delcy Rodriguez. About 450 prisoners were released after Maduro's removal and before enactment, while more than 600 remain detained, according to NGO Foro Penal. The amnesty covers detentions related to political protests and "violent actions" over recent decades, including a brief 2002 coup and election-related cases. The law excludes those prosecuted or convicted for promoting military action and participants in the 2019 military coup; opposition figures accused of seeking foreign intervention may also be excluded.

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